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Understanding the surgical breast lift procedure

As we age, our skin loses it elasticity. This can be more pronounced in women’s breasts, as the skin is supporting the weight of the breast. Even more significant changes can be seen with breastfeeding or weight loss which can make the breasts have a saggy, deflated appearance.

A mastopexy, or breast lift, is a procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of aging breasts. This procedure is designed to raise the nipple and areola to a more youthful location, remove excess loose skin, and provide more fullness in the upper portion of the breast. If there is significant volume loss and deflation, the procedure can be combined with a breast augmentation. Many women combine a mastopexy with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) for a “mommy makeover."

Depending on the size of lift needed, typically one of three techniques is offered: a small incision around the areola; an incision around the areola and straight down the breast; or, an incision around the areola, straight down and under the breast as well. If the patient has significantly deflated breasts, this will often require both a breast implant and a breast lift.

Mastopexy is an outpatient procedure meaning there is no overnight stay. The more involved the surgery, the longer the recovery time. Most women can get back to work within a week. And at most, there’s a six-week timeframe where you cannot do major activities or heavy lifting.